Stock tank heater



May 16, 1961 BfGuNloN sTocK TANK HEATER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1l Filed June 2, 1958 K WN w ro N/A P M m 6 7 w 4 B v E m w 5 aww L M l1 7 my w d u i L l. w M@ fw ,ky/@M 6 May 16, 1961 L. B. @UNION 2,984,237

STOCK TANK HEATER Filed June 2. 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent 'O srocK TANK HEATER Lyle B. Gunion, Des Moines, Iowa, assignor to Green folonal, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, a corporation of owa This invention relates generally to heaters and in partlcular to a heater for a stock Watering tank for maintainmg the water in the tank at a temperature suitable for stock to drink.

Stock water tanks are often located in the open so as to be subject to all weather conditions, and in the winter will freeze over unless a heater is provided. The heater of the present invention is adapted to be immersed in a stock water tank to prevent such freezing and maintain a desired temperature of the water in the tank. In heaters of this type, operated by gas burners, it is necessary to provide for a constant and sufficient supply of combustion air and to maintain the heater dry and free of condensate.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved gas burning stock tank heater for immersion inthe tank.

Another object of this invention is to provide a gas heater for stock water tanks which operates free of condensation and eliminates any accumulation of condensate that might flood out the burner.

A further object of this invention is to provide a gas heater for a stock watering tank in which any condensate formed during heater operation is evaporated and expelled from the heater, and wherein condensate collected during periods of non-heater operation is evaporated and expelled from the heater on commencement of operation thereof, so that the heater is maintained dry.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a gas burning heater for a stock watering tank wherein the burner, the burner controls and all operative connections therebetween are ot' a unit assembly, removably mounted within the heater casing whereby to facilitate assembly, service and maintenance work on the heater.

Another object of this invention is to provide a gas burning heater for a stock watering tank wherein combustion air is continuously supplied without any interference from wind conditions and free of ybecoming intermixed with the exhaust gases from the burner.

A further object of this invention is to provide a gas burning heater for a stock water tank which is of a simple and compact construction, economical to manufacture and efficient in operation to maintain the tank water at a desired drinking temperature for stock.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a stock watering tank showing the heater of this invention in assembly relation therewith, with a portion of the tank being removed to better show this assembly;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the heater taken substantially along the line 2--2 in Fig. 1 and showing the heater mounted on a tank of a metal construction;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view as seen on the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

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Fig. 4 is a sectional detail view showing corresponding parts in Fig. 2 arranged to illustrate the mounting of the heater on a stock water tank of a concrete construction;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the heater casing, partition unit and baie means, with some parts being broken away and other parts being shown in section to more clearly show their construction; and

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view of the heater taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 2.

With reference to the drawing, the heater of this invention, designated generally as 10 in Fig. 1, is shown in assembly relation with a stock watering tank 11, of a usual metal construction, having a top laterally extended peripheral rim 12. The heater 10 is of gas burning type, the fuel being gas carried in a container 13 and having a fuel supply line 14 connected with the heater 10.

As shown in Fig. 2, the heater 10 includes a casing or Well 16 of a cylindrical tubular shape, having a closed bottom 17 and an open upper end 18. The bottom 17 and a portion 19 of the lower end of the casing 16 is thermally insulated by a Wall member 21 arranged in a spaced nester relation therewith and joined with the casing 16 at 22 to form an air pocket or space 23. Stated otherwise, the insulation forming wall 21, the casing bottom 17 and the casing portion 19 are integrally constructed to constitute a cap unit, designated generally as 24, of a cup shape, the rim 22 of which is secured as by welding, to a laterally extended flange 26 on the casing 16, such that the inner peripheral Wall 27 of the cap unit forms a lower extension on the casing 16. For a purpose to later appear, a condensate collecting ring 28 is extended about and secured to the inner peripheral wall 27 of the cap unit 24 in a plane inclined tranversely of the casing, or to the horizontal.

The casing 16 is divided into a longitudinal air passage 29 and a longitudinal exhaust passage 31, arranged in a side by side relation, with their lower ends 32 and 33, respectively, terminating at the insulating cap unit 24 so as to be open to the space 34 within the insulating cap 24. In other words, the space 34 is formed within the lower end of the casing 16 below the passages 29 and 31. This division of the casing 16 is accomplished by the provision of a partition unit 36 (Figs. 2 and 5) having an elongated body member 37 of a V-shape in transverse cross section and of a length to extend from the insulating cap 24 to the upper end 18 of the casing 16. An upper circular plate 38 of a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the casing 16 has a V-shaped cut-out portion 39 in its side of a size and shape to receive the body member 37, to which it is secured by Welding the legs 41 of the body member to the side walls of the cut-out portion 39. A second or lower circular plate 42, of a smaller diameter than the upper plate 38, is secured in a like manner to the body member 37 at a position intermediate the ends ofthe body member.

In the assembly of the partition unit 36 with the casing 16, the outer edges 43 of the legs 41, of the body member 37, are guidably received within a pair of guides 44 extended longitudinally of and arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the casing 16 in an angular spacing corresponding to the angle between the legs 41. The lower ends of the legs 41 are cut away, as indicated at 46, to facilitate the insertion of the legs 41 within the guideways 44, after which the partition unit 36 is lowered within the casing i6 until the top plate 38 comes to rest on a retainer ring 47 secured to the inner peripheral wall of the casing 16 at its upper end 18.

As best shown in Fig. 2 the top plate 38 thus constitutes a cover only for the upper endV 48 of the exhaust passage 31, so as to leave the upper end 49 of the air passage 29 open to the atmosphere. Also the lower plate 42, being of a smaller diameter than the upper plate 38,

assess# clears the retainer ring 47 in the insertion of the partition unit 36 within the casing 16 and functions as a battle plate within the exhaust passage 31. An exhaust pipe or outlet 51 is mounted on and projected upwardly from the top side of the upper or cover plate 38 so as to conneet the upper end 48 of the exhaust passage 31 with the atmosphere.

A baffle unit, indicated generally as 52 (Figs. 2 and 5,), is detachably mounted on the upper end 18 of the casing 16 and includes a rst or lower upright ring member 53 having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the casing 16 so as to tit about the casing. Supported in a vertically spaced relation from and above the lower ring member 53 is a rst or lower flat plate member 54 having secured to its Upper side a second or top upright ring member 5,6. This spaced support of the lower plate member 54 above the lower ring member 53 is accomplished by securing separator straps 57, as by welding, at spaced angular distances to the inside of the lower ring member 53 and to the lower side of the lower plate member 54. It will be seen, therefore, that the space 58 between the ring 53 and the plate 54 constitutes a peripherally extended inlet for communicating the upper end 49 of the air passage 29 with the atmosphere.

A second or upper plate member 59 is supported in a vertically spaced relation above the upper ring member 56 by separator straps 61 welded to the inside of the upper ring 56 and to the bottom side of the upper plate 59. The lower plate 54 (Fig. 5) is formed with an opening 62 to receive the exhaust outlet 51, as shown in Fig. 2. As a result the exhaust outlet 51 is open to the atmosphere through the peripherally extended outlet 6,0 formed by the space between the upper ring 56 and the upper plate 59.

In assembly, the baffle unit 52 is merely positioned about the upper end 18 of the casing 16 at a location to provide for the reception of the exhaust pipe S1 within the opening 62, and for the reception of the fuel supply line 14 (Fig. 1) within a notch 63 formed in the lower ring 53. Stops 64 (Fig. 2) secured to the inner peripheral wall of the lower ring 53 at upwardly spaced positions from the bottom of the lower ring 53, support the bafe unit 52 on the upper end 18 of the casing 16. The burner assembly 71 (Fig. 2) is of a usual Bunsen type having a tubular burner member 72 formed with an air inlet 73 for supplying primary air to the flame end 74 of the burner member 72. Fuel to the burner member 72 is supplied through a conduit 76, connected to a burner control box, indicated generally as 77, which in turn is connected with the main fuel line 14, shown in Fig. l.

A pilot 78 (Fig. 2) and associated safety thermocouple 79 are operatively arranged relative to the ame end 74 of the burner member 72 and are supported, with the burner member 72, from the lower end of the partition unit 36 so as to be located at the lower end 33 of the exhaust passage 31. When so located it will be seen that the air inlet 73 of the burner member 72 is positioned at the lower end 32 of the air passage 29. It will also be noted that the inclination of the condensate ring 26 is such that its lowermost portion is adjacent to or opposite the flame end 74 of the burner member 72. The pilot 78 and its thermocouple 79. are connected with the control box 77 through conduits 79' and 81, respectively, located in the air passage 29, as is also the lighter tube 80 for the pilot 78.

The control box 77 is mounted on the top side of the cover plate 38 (Figs. 2 and 3) and is of a usual cornmercially available type having a pilot shut-off control 85 and a burner starting button 83,*a temperature control knob 84 and a pilot lighter valve 86, all operable in a Well known manner. A thermostat 8S (Fig. 2) of capillary type is carried to one side of the heater casing 16 and is responsive to the temperature of the water in the 4 stock tank 11. to control heater operation as set by the control knob 84.

Importantly, the burner assembly 71 and control box 77 are mounted on the partition unit 36, with the connecting means therebetween located within the apex of the body member 37, which defines the air passage 29. Thus the complete burner mechanism is assembled with and removed from the casing 16j along with the partition unit 36 as a package assembly. `Service and maintenance.

work is thus greatly facilitated. Additionally, since these package assemblies are interchangeable, they can be readily replaced, if necessary, to maintain substantially continuous heater operation by the elimination of any appreciable delay for service repairs.

In use, the heater 10 is immersed within the water in the tank 11 to a depth, normally, intermediate the ends of the casing 16. To support the heater 10 within the tank 11 there is provided a clamping ring 91 (Fig. 2), adjustably movable longitudinally of the casing 16 and having secured thereto, as by welding, What might be termed a stationary jaw or clamp member 92 having a at upright outer end 93. Secured to the end 93 is an angle member 94 having one of its legs 96 eXtended hori-V zontally, or in a plane normal to the end 93 of the station`v ary clamp member 92,. Operatively associated with the stationary clamp member 9,2 is a movable clamp member 97 of a U-shape in transverse cross section, mounted on a screw shaft 98 which is threadable throughy the angle member 94 and end 93 of the stationary clamp 9-2.

When the heater is to be mounted on a tank 11, of a metal construction, the clamp 97 is moved relative to the stationary clamp 92 to provide for the location of the peripheral rim 1 2 of the tank 11 against the underside of the leg 96 on the stationary clamp 92. The screw shaft 98 is then threaded within the stationary clamp 92 to a stop position against the ring 91, after which the clamping nut 99 is manipulated toy tightly clamp the side wall 101 of the tank 11 against the end 93 of the stationary .clamp 92 and the lower leg 102 of the movable clamp 97. The heater 10 is thus positively maintained in an upright position and against tilting movement.

Where the heater 10 is to be supported on a tank of a concrete construction (not shown) having a side wall 103 (Fig. 4) the leg 96 is positioned on the top of the wall 103, with the end 93 of the stationary clamp to the inside of the wall 103, after which the movable clamp 97 is manipulated, in all respects as described previously in connection With Fig. 2, to provide for the engagement of its leg 102 with the outer side of the wall 103.

With the heater 10 thus mounted on a stock tank the fuel supply line 14 is connected with the control box 77 at the fitting 104 (Fig. 3). When the gas or fuel has been turned on from the tank 13 and with the battle unit 52 removed from the casingy 16, fuel is supplied to the pilot 78 by manipulation of the knob 85, after which the pilot starter valve 86 is depressed and a lighted match or like flame applied to the conduit adajcent its upper end. The conduit 80 is of a usual type for this purpose and has perforations 106 for supplying air to the feeder flame to provide for the travel of the llamo progressively downwardly of the tube 80 to the pilot 78.

The exhaust pipe 5,1 and an opening 107 formed in the bafe plate 42 are in alignment with each other, and with the pilot 78, so that operation of the pilot 78 may be visually observed. When the pilot 78r has been on, for a time sucient to heat the thermocouple 79 to open the main fuel line 76 at the control box 77, the button 83 is depressed to supply fuel to the burner member 7 2 for ignition from the pilot 78. The baille, unit is then replaced on the heater casing 16.

With the. heater in operation the exhaust passage '31 functions as a heat exchanger fQlI the transfer of heat from the casing 16 to the water within the stock tank. Usually, the heater 10 will be. immersed in the stock tank to a position wherein the water level is substantially at the height of the baille plate 42. With the baffle 42 acting to impede a free ow of the exhaust through the passage 31, a greater concentration of heat within the casing 16 will take place below the battle 42. As a result, a greater exchange of heat from the heater to the Water in the stock tank takes place below the level of the baille 42. In this connection it will be noted that by virtue of the insulating cap 24 a slow transfer of heat to the water takes place at the bottom of the heater 10 to in turn provide for a concentration of heat within the insulating cap 24, and in turn on the condensate collecting ring 28. Stated otherwise, the condensate ring 28 during heater operation is maintained at a higher temperature than the casing '16.

As a result, any moisture accumulating on the inner side wall of the casing 16, on draining into the ring 28 is immediately evaporated and expelled from the heater through the exhaust passage 31. The normal heat output of the heater 10 is such that at all times of heater operation, such heat is more than enough to take care of the usual condensate so that the heater is maintained dry. Thus, whatever condensate may collect in the ring 28, during periods of non-heater operation is, therefore, readily and quickly evaporated on commencement of heater operation for discharge from the heater through the exhaust passage 31. Flooding of the burner llame is thus eliminated, since the ring 28 is always dry on stopping of heater operation.

As previously described, the baffle unit 52 has a peripherally extended inlet 58 for the air passage 29, and a peripherally extended outlet 60 for the exhaust passage 31 (Figs. 2 and 5). It will be seen that the inlet 58 opens into the upright ring 53, which functions as a wind break or bafe about the inlet end 49 of the air passage 29. As a result a sufficient supply of air is supplied to the heater 10 continuously and at a substantially uniform rate unaffected by wind conditions. This protection of the air passage 29 from being acted upon by gusts of wind in turn prevents the gas ame of the burner member 72 being blown out.

Likewise the peripheral outlet 60 opens into the upright ring S6 which surrounds the exhaust pipe 51. The exhaust of gases from the heater 10 is thus permitted to take place freely without impedance from wind conditions. By virtue of the peripheral exhaust outlet 60 being vertically spaced above the peripheral air inlet 58, the discharged exhaust tends to travel outwardly and upwardly away from the outlet 58 so as not to become intermingled with the fresh air entering the heater through the air inlet S8.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

`l. A water heater for a stock watering tank comprising a casing having a closed bottom, a removable partition unit supported by said casing and extended longitudinally Within said casing with the lower end thereof spaced upwardly from said casing bottom thereby dividing said casing to form a longitudinal air passage and a longitudinal exhaust passage, a burner within said casing located below said partition and carried thereby, a cupshaped condensate collecting ring means mounted on the inner peripheral Wall of said casing and extending substantially the entire circumference thereof about said burner to collect and retain all of the condensate draining from the inside walls of the casing both during and after burner operation for evaporation by said burner during operation said ring being located below the level of the burner in the area of the burner llame to maintain said condensate out of contact with said burner at all times, thermal insulating means covering the bottom and outside perimeter of said casing and extending upwardly about the lower end portion of the casing to at least a level above said condensate ring whereby said ring is heated by said burner and then thermally insulated against the conduction of heat therefrom, means communicating the upper end of said air passage with the atmosphere, and other means communicating the upper end of said exhaust passage with the atmosphere.

2. A water heater for a stock watering tank comprising a tubular casing of a cylindrical shape having a closed bottom, a removable partition unit extending longitudinally within said casing with the lower end thereof spaced upwardly from said casing bottom thereby dividing said casing to form a longitudinal air passage and a longitudinal exhaust passage, a top cover plate for said exhaust passage secured to said partition and engageable with a stop portion on said casing to limit the downward movement of said partition unit within said casing, an exhaust outlet in said cover plate, a burner and control unit therefor carried by said partition so as to be removable therewith from said casing, said burner being located below said partition unit, a cup-shaped condensate collecting ring mounted on the inner peripheral wall of said casing and extending substantially the entire circumference thereof about said burner, with said ring being inclined relative to a transverse plane of said casing so that the lowest portion thereof is below the llame end of said burner, thermal insulating means covering the bottom and outside perimeter of said casing and extending upwardly about the lower end portion of the casing to at least a level above said condensate ring, a baffle member carried by said partition and extending transversely of said exhaust passage intermediate the burner and the top cover plate to restrict the ow of the heated exhaust gases whereby said condensate ring is heated by said burner and then retained in a heated condition by said insulating means supplemented by the action of said baffle member.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 24,295 Johnson Mar. 26,1957

608,291 Kemp Aug. 2, 1898 2,716,977 Loyles et al. Sept. 6, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 8,080 Great Britain Feb. 29, 1896 

